A little sweetness doesn’t just lift the mood—it can also heal. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), sugar is more than a treat; it’s a tool for wellness. While modern diets warn against sugar, certain traditional sweeteners are considered medicinal when used wisely. Brown sugar, rock sugar, and maltose each carry unique health benefits, making them powerful allies in the kitchen and the clinic.
The TCM Take on Sugar
In TCM, sweet flavors are thought to harmonize the body, relieve tension, and nourish vital organs. But not all sugars are created equal—what matters is their source, processing, and energetic nature.
Sugar is divided into natural and refined sugar. Natural sugars are found in fruits, honey, and milk. Refined sugars, such as white sugar, brown sugar, and rock sugar, are mostly extracted from sugarcane. They are very sweet and provide a wide range of nutrient varieties depending on their degree of refining.
Brown sugar retains much of its mineral content and has high nutritional value. Rock sugar is recrystallized white sugar. It is mild in nature. Maltose is made from fermented grains and has the effect of moisturizing the lungs. In comparison, refined sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup are complicated to process and should be used less.Let’s explore the unique healing roles of three time-honored sweeteners in TCM.
